Three-time Richmond premiership-winning captain Trent Cotchin believes his former teammate Dustin Martin may retire at the end of the 2024 AFL season, as he has little left to prove. The Tigers are no longer the dominant force they once were and have entered a rebuilding phase under new coach Adem Yze, finding themselves out of finals contention early in the season.
Martin played a pivotal role in Richmond’s golden era from 2017 to 2020, winning a Brownlow and three Norm Smith medals. He formed an elite partnership with Cotchin, Jack Riewoldt, Alex Rance, David Astbury, Kane Lambert, and Bachar Houli.
However, Martin is the sole remaining player from that premiership-winning period. With the club facing a few years of rebuilding under Yze, Cotchin believes Martin—now in the twilight of his career—may decide to retire soon, as he may lack the drive to lead the club into a new era after a challenging few years off the field.
“He’s definitely capable of it—I just don’t know if, given the place he is in right now, he’s got the energy to do so,” Cotchin said on Talking Footy. “Since his father passed away, it’s been a challenge for Dusty. Getting himself right is the absolute priority, and the club is helping him with that. So, to put such a commitment on someone who needs to get himself at his best is a big call and challenging.”
Martin is currently on track to reach the 300-game milestone in Round 13 against Adelaide. This season, he is averaging 19.4 disposals compared to his career average of 24.4 and has kicked four goals, with two coming in the season opener against Carlton. Martin has played seven games this season, missing four due to a calf injury.
Former AFL player Kane Cornes believes it’s in Martin’s best interest to retire, given his achievements and the likelihood that Richmond may not offer a new contract with his current $1.35 million annual salary. “I think it’s time; there’s nothing left for him to achieve,” Cornes said on SEN Sportsday. “Does Dustin Martin want to go through that and have questions over his form, just like Buddy Franklin did when he played probably one more year than he should have?”
Martin is set to reach his 300-game milestone soon, but the club may opt to rest him so he can celebrate this milestone against Hawthorn at the MCG.
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